JEDDAH, 19 April 2007 — Hundreds of divers from seven diving centers across Jeddah are participating today in the biggest ever campaign to clean the city’s Red Sea coast.
The two-day campaign is part of several activities that are being carried out by the Youth Committee of Makkah in coordination with the Women’s Committee at the Saudi Environment Society.
“This year’s slogan is ‘Better Than Before’ and aims to create environmental awareness among the youth and children, who are more prone to polluting the coast by randomly throwing rubbish,” said Suhail Sawan, executive manager of the social and economical departments at Makkah Municipality.
The Saudi Environment Society is also holding a drawing competition to create awareness about the environment. Hundreds of Saudi and expatriate schoolchildren from across Jeddah will participate in the competition.
Abdullah Balubaid, head of the Youth Committee of Makkah, said, “The committee aims to spread awareness among people about the importance of the environment, and the danger of pollution that threatens Jeddah’s beaches and marine environment.”
Balubaid added that marine pollution has recently increased significantly. This is especially the case since sewage is dumped into the sea. “Sewage is one of the biggest problems currently facing Jeddah’s beaches,” he said, adding that the dead fish found on the coast are clear signs of pollution.
“There are certain types of vegetation, which are important for lobsters to live. These types of vegetation are also dying. The different activities done by organizations will hopefully contribute in increasing public awareness,” Balubaid said.
Jeddah’s coastline has been affected by the results of urbanization and private seashore development. Much of this is the result of construction of the infrastructure associated with the expansion of the city.
